Science or hobby?

I would propose NOT creating another group. This group has very little
traffic to begin with, and most serious scientists don't spend very much
time (if any at all) checking into the internet newsgroups to solve or
discuss their research. There is already a Mycological Society of America
bulletin board which serves a more narrow spectrum of research interest
(accessed through gopher systems). The function of scientific
communication usually comes about at annual technical meetings, or via
telephone and mail.
The net serves one good function for scientists, which is the ability
to cast a broad net when in search of information that may be available
through the serious amateur or hobbyist. Beyond that, the other forums
are more commonly used.
-Steven E. Carpenter, Ph.D.
Cascade Research Associates
& Abbey Lane Laboratory
microbe at peak.org